STO. TOMAS, Batangas — IN a renewed push for environmental protection, First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), through its water division First Industrial Township Water Inc. (FITWI), inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Barangay Poblacion 1 on October 24, 2025, to install a waste trap system along the San Juan River.
The initiative underscores FPIP’s long-term commitment to curb river pollution and promote cleaner waterways. Installed along the Poblacion 1 section of the San Juan River, the waste trap is designed to capture floating solid waste such as plastics and debris before these flow into major waterways.
“This project is both cost-effective and community-based,” said Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra, FPIP General Manager for Water Resources Management. “More than protecting the river, we hope it empowers the local community to take an active role in sustaining this project over time.”
FPIP also conducted a hands-on training session for barangay officials and residents on the proper use, monitoring, and maintenance of the waste trap — ensuring that the initiative remains sustainable beyond its initial installation.
Among those present at the event were Barangay Chairman Alvin Carpio; Councilor andSto. Tomas City Committee Chair on Environment Proceso “Boy” Mendoza; Sto. Tomas City Administrator Atty. Christian Cantera; and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Head Eric Velasco, alongside FPIP personnel and employees from various locator companies.
Local leaders lauded the collaboration, citing its practical benefits to the community. “Malaking tulong ito sa amin,” said Chairman Carpio. “Sa ngayon, mapipigilan ng waste trap ang pagdaloy ng basura sa ilog, lalo kapag umuulan. Mas maayos na ngayon ang daloy ng tubig, at nagpapasalamat kami sa FPIP sa ganitong proyekto.”
Atty. Cantera echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared responsibility between neighboring areas. “Kahit ang FIT ay nasa Tanauan, bahagi pa rin ito ng San Juan River system. Ang mahalaga, nagtutulungan tayo para mapanatili ang kalinisan ng ating ilog,” he said, adding that the partnership may expand to include fish restocking activities in local tributaries.
Alongside the installation, FPIP also spearheaded simultaneous river cleanups within Barangay Poblacion 1 and inside the FPIP estate. A total of 138 volunteers participated, collecting 869 kilograms of waste, including plastics and packaging materials.
“The river cleanup is part of our quarterly initiative,” Esguerra added. “It’s practical, low-cost, and creates lasting environmental impact. We hope it inspires other communities to take similar action.”
These efforts form part of FPIP’s broader regeneration and decarbonization program, which focuses on community engagement, resource protection, and long-term sustainability to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come.
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